UFC heavyweight Stefan Struve: 'Retirement not an option'

Although a heart condition has sidelined him indefinitely, and though UFC President Dana White said he doubts the fighter ever returns to the cage, heavyweight Stefan Struve has no plans to call it quits.

Struve (25-6 MMA, 9-4 UFC) recently was riding a four-fight winning streak before a March loss to Mark Hunt. While on the recovery from a broken jaw he suffered in the fight, the 25-year-old Dutchman was also diagnosed with a leaking aortic valve and enlarged heart.

Doctors will treat the condition with medication for two months and then reassess the situation. However, though he said the fighter is tough and will get the UFC’s full support, White recently told 106.7 The Fan (Washington D.C.) that he didn’t think Struve would fight again.

“I honestly don’t think he ever will,” White said.

Although Struve didn’t specifically mention White, a recent tweet alluded to his comments: “I DON’T consider retirement as an option, it’s possible 2 come back from this & I’m gonna go for that & make it work! Just so you know ;)”

Although just 25, Struve has already racked up 31 professional fights and nine UFC wins as a heavyweight, which is seventh best in company history. All of the victories but one, including his TKO over Stipe Miocic this past September, came via stoppage. He’s racked up five UFC fight-night bonuses in the process.

The 7-footer is currently ranked No. 10 in the USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie.com MMA heavyweight rankings. (He’s not ranked in the UFC’s official rankings.)

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